High School Wrestling: Regional meet roundup

The region winning streak for Clay ended on Saturday at the Region 2-1A meet, but the Blue Devils still posted a runner-up finish and qualified nine wrestlers for the state tournament. The Blue Devils finished second to Lake Highland Prep, ending a 14-year run of region titles for Clay. The Blue Devils finished with 187 points, coming up short of Lake Highland (207). Clay’s Adam Breindel was the area’s lone region champion, scoring a 7-0 decision over Lake Highland Prep’s Justin Martinez in the 145-pound weight class. Clay’s Andrew Klopman (106), Dylan Martin (132) and Imier Almanzar (152) each finished runner-up in their division.

REGION 1-3A

Fleming Island took region runner-up honors, qualifying eight wrestlers for the state tournament, including a pair of state champions. Fleming’s Charles Cuthbert took first at 132, scoring an 11-4 decision over Flagler Palm Coast’s Kaz Maia, and Evan McCall routed Orlando Freedom’s Gabriel Acosta (10-1) for region titles. David Detwiler took second in 138. Fletcher, and Atlantic Coast also qualified one wrestler apiece for the state tournament. Fleming had 158 points, well back of Winter Springs (239).

REGION 1-2A

Area wrestlers won six titles, and Orange Park finished as regional runner-up on a day where 24 locals advanced to the state tournament. The Raiders had a pair of individual winners, with Marcus Reid pinning Tallahassee Lincoln’s Jacob Geiger at 113, and Devon Brooks getting a 9-2 decision over Jason Osagie of Lincoln. OP’s Tyrese Germain (120) and Mitchell Harris (152 were both second in their weight classes. Ridgeview’s Malcolm Kirce ran his record to 30-0 with an 8-2 decision over White’s Kelton Johnson at 285. Columbia’s Kaleb Warner won at 132 as Oakleaf’s Anthony Hauser injury defaulted, and Middleburg’s Travis Neubeck pinned Columbia’s Dustin Regar at 138 for a region title. Creekside’s Austin Wynn edged Niceville’s Blake Hartzog (8-6) to win at 106. Orange Park (136) finished second to Tallahassee Lincoln (156). Creekside (98) was fifth.

REGION 1-1A

Wakulla is sending seven wrestlers to the state championships after winning Saturday at Bishop Snyder. “I thought we did OK. We left some matches on the mat, but I’m really proud of our guys today. They really came together, and now we’re sending seven guys to state,” said Wakulla coach William Pafford. “This is the first regional championship for a program from Wakulla since 1979. Other area teams sending wrestlers to state include University Christian. The Christians finished third in the region for the second straight year and will be sending five wrestlers on to the next round. UC is lead by two one-loss seniors — Trey Miller and Jamal Fiffer — who are a combined 68-2. Fiffer defeated the favorite at the heavyweight division, Tallahassee Godby’s MaShawn Knight, in the finals. Bolles’ Josh Calhoun took the region title at 132, getting a pin at 3:23 over Arnold’s Paul Patterson. Bradford’s Jarraid Forsyth ran his record to 39-0 with a 9-5 decision over West Nassau’s Michael Dudzinski. Bishop Kenny’s Jakub Kaszuba improved to 31-1 at 170 with a 7-4 decision over Suwannee’s Sasha Key. Host Snyder saw Brandon Marshall pin Raines’ Jermaine Oliver in 1:54 to win a region title at 182. “It’s a little bittersweet, to be honest with you. We had some guys who I thought had a chance to do a little bit better. But I’m excited because we got five guys going to state, and those guys are going to have to work hard this week because it doesn’t get any easier from here on out,” UC coach Kevin Widley said.